Development of multi-point measurement techniques for a closely spaced group of satellites

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Objetivo

In-situ spacecraft observations in the Earth magnetosphere are able to investigate fundamental plasma phenomenon - the explosive transformation of magnetic energy into plasma thermal and kinetic energies, involving the so-called "reconnection", with or without magnetic field annihilation. Episodic direct measurements from single spacecraft revealed that the transformation process includes fast multi-scale configuration changes, nonlinear wave-particle interactions and plasma turbulence. This fundamental process has analogues in solar flares, fusion devices and in some other phenomena of the energy transformation in astrophysical plasmas.This proposal is concentrated on implementation of new measurement techniques based on various multi-spacecraft orbital configurations, either realized in projects INTERBALL and CLUSTER or designed for future ROY project.The present study, owing to the experience brought by CLUSTER and other previous space projects, will allow to define a detailed concept of the ROY mission: reduction of the inter-satellite distance limit to tens of km, inclination of the orbit in order to probe unexplored regions.The study proposed is aimed to make a full engineering analysis for the technical aspects of such a multi-spacecraft project. The final goal is to find the best compromise between the technical constraints linked to multi-satellites and the achievement of the scientific objectives. The work will go in parallel with the extensive numerical modelling of the relevant physical processes, and utilize the current knowledge accumulated to optimise the design requirements and measurement limitations.The objectives of the proposal are:- To develop appropriate methods of multi-spacecraft investigations of reconnection and collision less turbulence in space plasmas at small scales.- To develop an experimental method for studying spatial distribution and rapid motions of small-scale plasma density inhomogeneities by closely-spaced multi-spacecraft radio-tomography.- To investigate the use at large distances from the Earth (15 RE) of a closely-spaced group of microsatellites together with a more powerful satellite as a basis for a multi-spacecraft project.- To determine the most efficient inter-satellite and satellite-to-ground communication scheme for closely-spaced spacecraft system.The consortium for the proposed research consists of 8 teams: 4 from NIS and 4 from INTAS/ESA. This research brings together accomplished specialists in magnetospheric/ionospheric physics, both theoreticians and experimenters, and specialists in spacecraft and scientific instrumentation design. All teams involved to this research have a continuous experience of successful collaborative work in space physics, in particular, in complicated international space projects.Consortium consists of well-known scientists and young specialists, which allows to join both the research an educational activities in frame of this proposal.Current information about the project is available on http://bird.iki.rssi.ru/ROY/ and will be updated regularly to present the most high-profile results from the grant for general public.